A late and sporadic start to the rainfall season led to a significant amount of re-planting, the virtual loss of the first crop in areas of bimodal rainfall, and poor yields in many other parts of the country.

Civil insecurity increased in 2009, with the unprecedented levels of cattle raiding, escalating tribal conflict, and occasional incursions by the Lord's Resistance Army, all of which have hampered agricultural production.

Net cereal production from the traditional sector this year is expected to be 660 000 tonnes, approximately 38% below last year's adjusted figure of 1.07 million tonnes and 10% below the previous five year average (adjusted) of 733 000 tonnes.

Cereal production from the rainfed mechanized sector is expected to be 148 000 tonnes, a drop of about 10% from last year's figure of 165 000 tonnes, and 20% below the average for the previous five years of 185 000 tonnes. Production from the mechanised sector is for Northern Sudan and therefore not counted towards Southern Sudan requirements.

The annual cereal consumption requirements for South Sudan are estimated at approximately 885 000 tonnes against a net cereal production of 660 000 tonnes, resulting in a shortfall of about 225 000 tonnes.

The food assistance requirements are estimated at 155 000 tonnes to assist a monthly average of about 1.8 million beneficiaries. The number of beneficiaries is expected to rise gradually during the year, reaching over four million at the peak of the lean season. Assistance will be provided for severely and moderately food insecure residents, IDP, returnees and refugees.

Heightened competition for scarce pasture is expected to lead to further conflict among pastoralists. Cattle in pastoralist areas this year started moving from high to low ground in search of pasture one to two months earlier than usual.

2009 has seen an unusually high level of cattle sales amongst pastoralist communities who normally regard their herds as social rather than commercial assets.

The terms-of-trade of grain to livestock is heavily in favour of grain, indicating its relative shortage.

The re-opening and improvement of rural trunk roads has continued over the last twelve months to obvious positive effect. The very poor condition of feeder roads now needs to be addressed.